AFP launches 2014 Kate Webb prize for Asian journalists

 JournalismPakistan.com |  Published March 18, 2014

PARIS: Agence France-Presse on Tuesday launched the 2014 edition of the Kate Webb Prize, which the global news agency awards to journalists in Asia for exceptional coverage done in dangerous or difficult conditions. 

The competition, open to locally hired text, photo and video journalists —  either freelance or those working for media companies in the region — carries a cash prize of 3,000 euros ($4,170). 

Applications will be accepted until April 18. The winner will be announced in May and invited to an award ceremony in Asia. 

The prize is named after Kate Webb, one of the finest correspondents to have worked for AFP, who died in 2007 at the age of 64. 

She earned a reputation as a fearless reporter while covering wars and other historic events in Asia during a career spanning four decades. 

"Journalists are facing increasing challenges in pursuit of their work. Attacks on freedom of the press are growing and journalists are regularly targeted in conflict situations," said AFP's Asia-Pacific director Gilles Campion. 

"Coverage of Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines exposed the physical and psychological challenges the media face in reporting natural disasters to the world," he said. 

The Kate Webb Prize recognizes Asian journalists who work on the frontlines in tough conditions across the region. 

"'With their in-depth knowledge, local reporters play a crucial role in covering Asia both for domestic and international media, and often at great personal risk," Campion said. 

Born in New Zealand, Webb first made her name as a young woman covering the Vietnam war. She also worked in Afghanistan, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand and the Middle East. 

She was known for her kindness and compassion and became a mentor to younger Asian journalists. 

The prize is administered by the AFP Foundation — a non-profit organization set up to promote press freedom through training journalists in developing countries — and by the Webb family. 

It was first awarded in 2008, to Pakistani reporter Mushtaq Yusufzai for his coverage of the dangerous tribal lands bordering Afghanistan. 

In 2009 it recognized the work of the Philippines Centre for Investigative Journalism (PCIJ) and in 2011 was awarded to Dilnaz Boga, an Indian reporter and photographer, for her courageous investigative work in Indian-administered Kashmir. 

Last year's recipient was Indonesian investigative journalist Stefanus Teguh Edi Pramono for his coverage of the conflict in Syria and his undercover investigation into Jakarta's dangerous and murky drug world. 

This year's prize is open to local reporters, photographers and broadcast journalists in Asia, including camera crew, for work done between January 1 and December 31, 2013. Stringers and freelance journalists are welcome to submit entries. 

Articles and broadcast material may be submitted in English or any Asian national language, provided that there is an accurate English translation. 

Details of the prize are available on the Kate Webb Prize Facebook page. Applications should be sent to [email protected]. The deadline is 1600GMT on April 18. - AFP

Sindhi journalist AD Shar brutally murdered, PFUJ declares three-day mourning

 April 11, 2025:  Sindhi journalist AD Shar was brutally murdered in Khairpur, Sindh. His body was found dumped on Handiyari Link Road. PFUJ has declared a three-day mourning period and demanded justice.

AJK government registers case against newspaper and staff

 April 10, 2025:  The Azad Jammu and Kashmir government has filed a case against The Daily Jammu & Kashmir and its staff for alleged fake news, drawing condemnation from PFUJ and IFJ, who demand immediate withdrawal of the FIR and an end to media repression in Pakistan.

Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges FIA threats, possible arrest over reporting

 April 08, 2025:  Journalist Arzoo Kazmi alleges that Pakistan's state agencies, including the FIA, have blocked her CNIC, passport, and bank account while threatening her. She calls it a direct attack on journalism.

Noorani’s missing brothers: Court orders IG to produce individuals

 April 07, 2025:  The Islamabad High Court has directed IG Islamabad to produce journalist Ahmad Noorani’s missing brothers, as the Ministry of Defence denies custody. SIM activity was traced in Bahawalpur, and investigations into their suspected abduction continue.

Journalist Farhan Mallick granted bail

 April 07, 2025:  Journalist and Raftar founder Farhan Mallick has been granted bail by a Karachi court in a case concerning anti-state content aired on his YouTube channel. He still faces separate charges related to an alleged illegal call center and data theft.

Ghulam Abbas Shah joins Discover Pakistan as Head of Programming

 April 03, 2025:  Veteran journalist Ghulam Abbas Shah has joined Discover Pakistan Television as the Head of Programming. With 25 years of experience in leading news organizations, he looks forward to contributing to quality storytelling and content.

PFUJ condemns Pakistani journalists' visit to Israel as an ethical violation

 April 02, 2025:  The Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ) has strongly condemned the visit of a group of Pakistani journalists to Israel, calling it a violation of journalistic ethics and a betrayal of press freedom and human rights. PFUJ demands a transparent investigation into the matter.

Can films fight terrorism? Dawn raises doubts

 March 30, 2025:  Dawn criticizes Pakistan’s plan to use TV dramas against extremism, highlighting financial and digital challenges. Can media alone solve deep-rooted issues?